60 in 60 blog, Week 3

The following is our third blog entry to our 60 in 60 challenge. For those of you who missed our column 3 weeks ago (see bit.ly/1LqaMVq) Erica and I have embarked on a journey to lose 60 pounds (combined) in 60 weeks (concurrent). We will have weekly online updates and monthly submissions into the Record newspaper.

Terry: Let me begin by saying I was seriously concerned on Thursday night, that the Friday morning weigh-in would bear bad news.

Erica: Why were you so concerned?

Terry: A few reasons. When we had our Week 2 weigh-in, I was sure I had dropped at least 5 pounds, because of everything I had done. It turned out that we barely lost 2 pounds between us. This past week, we actually did less, due to a couple of injuries.

E: That’s right. I hurt my ankle and knee, when I was bull-dozed by (our dog) Tessa and her new friend, during a walk. They were chasing each other and didn’t see me. Next thing I knew, I was on the ground. That was last Friday afternoon, just after our Week 2 weigh-in.

T: And I aggravated my sciatic nerve playing golf with Peter on Saturday. It was so bad, I ended up on the ground after my tee shot on 17 and we packed it in. I did not play another round last week, and I also rested the remainder of the weekend.

E: Yes, I remember. I swam on Sunday, but all you could do was spend time in the hot tub and sauna. Personally, I was more worried about the extra calories we picked up when we visited a certain not-to-be-named warehouse club store, known for its taste-testing stations on every aisle end. Although I will say, I showed far more restraint than you did.

T: Hey, what can I say? Free is free. And I’m Irish.

E: Anywaaaayyyy…. focus. Let’s tell our 60 in 60 Nation how we did this week.

T: It was our best week ever.

E: We lost 5 pounds, much to our surprise. That makes it 12 pounds in 3 weeks

T: Well, I was certainly surprised… even with my haircut.

E: I had a haircut too. Do you think that helped?

T: I’m sure it had more to do with it than my haircut did. So, what did you do this past week?

E: I did manage 3 gym visits, but I think it was eating a bit lighter that made the difference. How about you?

T: Well, it was graduation week for my running program. I increased the cycles to 8 minutes running and 4 minutes walking. 4 cycles. So a total of 32 minutes running … I figure that’s just a little better than 5 kilometres. I did that four times. So I ran roughly 21 kilometres this week.

E: Hey, that’s a half-marathon.

T: Yes… and it only took me a week to complete my first half-marathon.

E: Well, it would take me much longer, because I am just walking. I have to remind myself that I may be just walking, but at least I am doing something. Sometimes I feel that when we are on treadmills next to each other at the gym, you are working much harder than me.

T: But I’ve been through this before. I used to run 5 times a week. So I am just reintroducing myself to an exercise routine my body was used to. We just exercise differently. But at least when we are at the gym, on treadmills, we can do it together.

E: I think it’s important to pick something that you can do, and maintain. I think I would have given up if I had picked running.

T: And I would have given up if I had picked swimming.

E: I think the key is we have both increased our activity level, overall.

T: And our eating habits are changing, in a natural way. You mentioned we were eating lighter. I think it’s important to tell everyone this was not by design. We are just more aware of portion sizes… and realize that in many instances, we don’t need as much as we think we do.

E: Except when it comes to crab.

T: Ah yes. Last Saturday’s crab fest was spectacular. And that was another reason for concern… not so much the 2+ pounds of crab we consumed… but all the butter that went with it.

E: What’s crab without butter? But that is not cheating, at least not according to our rules. Speaking of which, did you cheat this week?

T: Ummmm, barely.

E: What!?

T: I found some jelly beans.

E: Oh no! Not the jelly beans!

T: Yes. They are in a drawer. But the good news is, most of them are still there. I did pop a small handful. I was going to take the rest of the bag to work to give to the Record staff, but I didn’t think the bag would survive the trip from the house to the office.

E: Terry. You live five minutes from the office.

T: I know. I love jelly beans. How about you? You had a girls’ night out, and you weren’t the designated driver. Was there any wine involved?

E: No, not a drop. And no late night snacks, though I was very tempted yesterday. Thank goodness the weigh-in was approaching. That stopped me from indulging.

T: Well, it was a good week. But we can’t rest on our laurels.

E: No. In fact, we thought about Halloween, but didn’t buy candy.

T: Oh yes. I wonder if the neighbourhood kids will like those fibre bars we bought, to hand out tomorrow night. I have to tell everyone why we bought those: Last year we only had 3 kids come to the house, and a box of chocolate bars in this house will not last past Monday, if I am left alone with them.

E: Yes, I have seen that eventuality enough times. In fact, this is the first year I remember where you haven’t purposely over-bought. But really, Terry… fibre bars?

T: Hey, they claim to be “Unbelievably delicious”.

E: I’m sure the kids will be thrilled. Or at least their parents will be. I have a back-up plan. I have glow sticks and small toys to hand out as well.